The mission of the Women & Politics Institute is to provide academic training to young women that encourages them to become involved in the political process and to facilitate research by faculty and students that enhances our understanding of the challenges women face in the political arena.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (15 Sep to 15 Oct), Govt485-005: The Role of Latinas in American Politics will host several outstanding Latina/o Guest Speakers and will be open to Women & Politics Institute and SPA students.

This class examines the cross-cutting cleavages of race, class, ethnicity and gender in the political struggles of the U.S. Latina population.We investigate the role of the Latina public officials, activists and the electorate in shaping state and national politics.

For the first time at American University, The Role of Latinas in American Politics (Govt 485-005) is being offered by the Women & Politics Institute.This course examines the cross-cutting cleavages of race, class, ethnicity and gender in the political struggles of the U.S. Latina population.We are investigating the role of Latina public officials, activists and the electorate in shaping state and national politics.This class includes special guest speakers from around Washington who bring their own expertise on Latinas in American politics.

Upcoming speakers are Antonieta Cadiz, Washington Correspondent of La Opinion; Linda Chavez, Chair of The Equal Opportunity Center; Sandra Grossman, Esq. of Grossman Law, LLC and Brigida Benitez, Esq. ofWilmerHale, LLP; Miryam Granthon, Special Assistant to the Director in the Office of Minority Health at the Department of Health and Human Services; Marguerite Jimenez, Assistant Director, Council on Latin America and AU School of Public Affairs, and Cristina López of the National Hispana Leadership Institute.

During the question and answer period, students are able to interact with these leaders and gain from their extensive experience in Latina politics.